International students do not value two-year degrees, study shows

Two-year degrees offer students the chance to fast-track their higher education – but a new study has found that international students are not racing toward that finish line.

The study, conducted by QS Enrolment Solutions, found the majority of international students who are considering or already studying in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, are not positive about the concept of two-year degrees.

Seventy-four percent of the 2,700 students surveyed said they would not be willing to pay more per year for a two-year degree, regardless of the fact they will be saving on living costs and an extra year of study.

In fact, 52 percent of students said they would expect the tuition fee per year to be less than a longer course.

Source: QS Enrolment Solutions

“Our findings suggest there is a remarkably low level of understanding among prospective and current international students of the concept of two-year degrees,” said Paul Raybould, marketing director of QS Enrolment Solutions.

International students seem to misunderstand the value of two-year courses as opposed to studying for three years, racking up more debt in living costs and rent.

Patrick Whitfield, director for UK & Europe at QS Enrolment Solutions said: “While some see the value in two-year degrees and find them compelling, it is clear there is confusion in the international student market about what two-year degrees offer.

“Though more research is needed to understand international student perceptions, it could be the case that there is a lack of knowledge about the fact that – in most cases – the student receives more teaching time each year in order to attain the exact same degree but in a shorter period of time.

“Our research shows that there is more universities can do to increase understanding of the benefits of two-year degrees as a viable alternative to traditional three-year programmes.”

However, 26 percent of students said they would pay more for a two-year degree.

“If teaching and facilities are the same in a two-year degree as in a three-year degree then it’s fair to pay slightly more for time saved,” said a student who took part in the study.

“In my opinion, reducing the years of studying is good, but if they focus on what is needed for a student to acquire the required knowledge, I agree it is worth to charge a bit more for a shorter time.”